What shouldn't we miss on our May trip? (And how it went - see Page 2)

[bear88]

Posted: 4/28/19 at 8:42pm

We're headed to New York City on vacation in mid-May, have time to see as many as 5 shows given our plan to avoid two-show days. The only show we booked in advance is Hadestown, and I'm not inclined to see To Kill a Mockingbird (sticker shock, limited interest despite all of the raves I've seen) or Network (despite Bryan Cranston's acclaimed performance). Given our desire to avoid excessive costs, we're not inclined to buy too much else in advance.

We're not local and don't go to New York often, so my bias is certainly in favor of things that we can't see on an upcoming tour - although that rule can be adjusted if the venue or performances are special. My wife and college-age daughter are more inclined to see musicals. (I'm leaving out Octet, Dave Malloy's new musical, because it's sold out on every day we're there.)

From researching the possible shows I've looked into seriously, here are the pros and cons I've identified. If there's a show we should reconsider, feel free to chime in:

Ain't Too Proud: saw it at the Berkeley Rep. My wife and daughter loved it, not likely to see it again

Burn This: Pros: Adam Driver, Brandon Uranowitz; Cons: Is it really that great a play?

The Cher Show: Pros - Stephanie J. Block; Cons - Another bio-musical? Isn't it actually kind of lame?

The Ferryman: Pros - Well-acted, compelling story that most critics have loved, seems buyable on TKTS; Cons: very long play that some have criticized as obviously manipulative

Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune: Pros - Star-laden play on a Monday evening when nothing else is playing; Cons - nobody has seen it yet, in previews, might be a night to do something non-theater

Gary: Pros - unique play, short, never seen Nathan Lane; Cons - too weird even for me, not all that good?

Ink: Pros - well-acted, fast-moving play that's political without jamming a message down your throat; Cons - Is it really all that good?

Kiss Me, Kate: Pros - choregraphy, old-school musical, Corbin Bleu, Kelly O'Hara, possibly inexpensive; Cons - inexpensive for a reason

My Fair Lady: Pros - a classic done in classical style, wonderful score, I've never seen it; Cons - split on Laura Benanti's performance, will go on tour next year

Oklahoma!: Pros - unique reimagining of an American classic, wonderful score; Cons - the intellectual appeal of this revival may not match the execution; lots of people really, really have hated it

The Prom: Pros - a funny, original musical comedy with a heart, strong lead performances; Cons - nothing special; can see it next year or on tour

Tootsie: Pros: genuinely funny musical comedy, lead actor likely to win Tony and the show might too; Cons - same old, same old attempt to revive '80s movie that isn't as good as the movie; a rather large theater

Is there anything here that we need to get in advance or is everything likely to be available on TKTS or TodayTix or some other discount? We wouldn't mind having some flexibility.

Updated On: 5/25/19 at 08:42 PM

[VotePeron]

Posted: 4/28/19 at 9:02pm

Out of every show you mentioned, besides Hadestown, I cannot recommend Oklahoma! enough. It is simply as good as it gets for NY theatre. 

Whatever you choose, have so much fun! Enjoy, and let us know what you think!

[Emmaloucbway]

Posted: 4/28/19 at 9:05pm

I highly recommend Tootsie. It may be another film-to-musical adaptation but it's quite different from the source material and a hilarious night at the theatre.  

[Mike Barrett]

Posted: 4/28/19 at 9:21pm

On your list I have seen The Ferryman with the original Broadway cast and The Prom. I honestly highly recommend both. The Prom should be a really easy ticket to get on TKTS or rush. Really funny, upbeat, heartwarming show with some great likely tony nominated performances. It was a great add on to my trip of mockingbird and network, which you weren’t inclined to see, so maybe we have different tastes!

Also the Ferryman, probably my favorite play of the season rn over TKAM and Choir Boy. Exhilarating play imo. It isn’t for everyone but personally that was the longest show I’ve ever seen and it didn’t feel too long for me at all, the pacing of the show is pretty strong. If there were ever scenes I ever felt were too long, the first instinct I felt it was a tad long it wrapped up pretty much right then so thing move quickly. I’ve heard the new cast is strong as well and very easy rush from what I’ve seen/heard.

I also have tickets to Ink and Tootsie just based on interests in the material and performers.

[Theatrefanboy1]

Posted: 4/28/19 at 10:17pm

I really suggest the Cher show. It’s a fun night. And visually stimulating too. Then I’d do Oklahoma! The ferryman and Then if you’re looking for one more I’d say Tootsie. As it will likely be the runner up for a lot of awards

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/29/19 at 12:47am

The Prom (must see!)
Gary..(just go!)
tootsie (you WILL laugh)
OKLAHOMA! (Stripped down and extraordinary)

[Robbie2]

Posted: 4/29/19 at 1:44am

Tootsie

The Prom

Kiss Me Kate

[vegas3]

Posted: 4/29/19 at 1:54am

You should also consider Fiddler in Yiddish (with subtitles).  Utterly amazing production.

My Fair Lady -- no downsides to this production.  Beautifully cast.

 

 

 

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 4/29/19 at 3:53am

I would see either My Fair Lady or Kiss Me, Kate as your safe choice. Try TKTS or TDF.

Lottery for Oklahoma! just so you can form your own opinion.

Then another musical and one or two plays depending on how you're feeling. 

 

[macnyc]

Posted: 4/29/19 at 5:24am

I second the suggestion to see Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish. Simply an extraordinary experience, and it's easy to get discounted tickets at the TKTS booth and TodayTix. A must-see.

Updated On: 4/29/19 at 05:24 AM

[jbird5]

Posted: 4/29/19 at 6:46am

I recommend Burn This. Driver is incredible. The play isn’t terrible, it’s a star vehicle for the actor in that part.

I know you said you avoid 2 show days, but Fiddler has a Thursday Matinee which you might consider.

[Sytwix]

Posted: 4/29/19 at 7:08am

My Fair Lady - amaazing cast (Laura Benanti at her finest) and easy access to discounted tickets.    

The Cher Show - it's pure fun entertainment.  sounds cheesy but it's really fun and well done.  If they loved Ain't Too Proud, they may like this even better.

Burn This - Adam Driver's performance alone is worth seeing this play.

[theatretenor2]

Posted: 4/29/19 at 12:09pm

We just returned from NYC yesterday and saw 7 shows in 5 days.

You are going to love HadesTown. It is one of the most gorgeous productions I've seen. I second The Prom if you are looking for another musical. That and HadesTown were our two favorite musicals of the trip. We also saw Aladdin and Tootsie. Tootsie is very overrated in my opinion. The score is so forgettable and undermines the otherwise hilarious book. There's a lot of cliche in Tootsie. The movie is a favorite of my partner's and he was most looking forward to Tootsie. We give it a 6.5/10 at best. The Prom is a 10. HadesTown is a 10. You can definitely get a deal on The Prom. It's on www.telechargeoffers.com (as is The Ferryman). Also, you mentioned that The Prom is nothing special and you can see it on tour. I'd argue with that as there will need to be some rewrites to make another cast work. Some of the jokes are directly about the performers in the production. Beth Leavel and Brooks Ashmanskas are both hilarious as well. It won't be the same on tour.

The Ferryman is one of the best plays I've seen in a while. Also a 10/10. I'd sit close if possible.

I can understand your reluctance to pay high dollar for Network or TKAM, but both are incredible productions that should not be missed. Network is one of the most interesting productions I've seen as it blends live theatre with live film. The cast of recognizable TV faces is outstanding. Cranston's performance, especially the "mad as hell" monologue, alone is worth the price of admission. 

TKAM is one of my favorite books and films, and I've seen a few productions of it on stage. Sorkin has made this story completely fresh and new for the era of injustice we are living today. Celia Keenan Bolger is sensational as Scout, and Jeff Daniels' performance is wonderful. While I think Cranston's performance is stronger overall, Daniels will likely win the Tony. 

Updated On: 4/29/19 at 12:09 PM

[goldenboy]

Posted: 4/29/19 at 1:15pm

For Shear Undulterated Broadway Musical Fun--- see the Cher Show.

Sure the critics snubbed their noses at it but it the most fun and lavish musical on Broadway right now..And Stefanie Block gives a star turn that we haven't seen in years. If she doens't get the Tony Award, there is no theatre God.

You can skip Gary. Great performances in a play that just doesn't work.

Don't miss the Fiddler.. in Yiddish.

My Fair Lady is darn good.

I think the Ferrymen is overated and dull. (Please don't hit me.. it's my opinion) The Critics loved it cause how can thei argue with an Olivier award. Emperor's new clothes.

 

 

 

[StageJunkie2]

Posted: 4/29/19 at 1:26pm

On a different note, the “All My Sons” revival is outstanding. Very potent classic with terrific performances. I expect (at least) Benjamin Walker will get a Tony nom nod tom’w.

[JudyDenmark]

Posted: 4/29/19 at 1:29pm

I'd definitely do The Prom (100% worth seeing this cast even if it tours), Oklahoma (won't tour, and personally I thought it was genius), and The Ferryman (critically acclaimed for a reason).

For your last slot... you didn't mention it, but I'd consider What the Constitution Means to Me. The title makes it sounds like a total snoozefest, but it's one of the most engaging plays I've seen in a while. If not that, then Tootsie (personally I thought it was hilarious, and it's worth seeing for Santino & Sarah alone) or Gary (I do think it's worth seeing for all three of those performances, and it's just so different than anything you've ever seen).

Either way, enjoy!

[bear88]

Posted: 5/13/19 at 1:49am

OP here. As the trip is only days away, I'm only a little bit closer to sorting things out. (My wife is fine with that; she would rather decide at the last minute, and I'd rather get discount tickets too.)

I did get $25 tickets to Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, and I guess we'll have the mezzanine to ourselves with the other cheapskates a week from Monday. We already have tickets to Hadestown on our last night.

We're almost certain to see My Fair Lady, just a question of Saturday night or Sunday. (Michael Halling isn't an option for us because we're seeing Hadestown on the night he typically performs.)

Oklahoma! has prompted a big debate in my family, which might get resolved if the show sells out before we can get discount tickets.

The divergence of opinion on Tootsie and The Prom is leaving me in a dilemma. They're musical comedies, which in theory should please my wife and daughter (and possibly me, as I've enjoyed the last several musical comedies I've seen, even ones like Head Over Heels that lots of people thought were dumb). I'm probably more interested in The Prom, but Tootsie has plenty of supporters and positive reviews even if I'm less enthused in theory. Even the show's harshest critics say it's funny. We may end up seeing both. 

But if we do, that might leave all of the other plays out. While the announcement of an alleged tour of The Ferryman has me thinking I could possibly skip it on Broadway, the current cast has received good reviews. I'm cooling on Ink and wonder if Burn This covers ground that's too similar to Frankie and Johnny.

The Secret Life of Bees and Octet both intrigue but are sold out.

I know about What the Constitution Means to Me, and regret not seeing at the Berkeley Rep last year, but I think we'll skip it on Broadway. I am also aware of the praise for Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish, but we'll probably pass.

Kiss Me, Kate has been discussed. (Between that and Tootsie and The Prom, I'm leery of seeing too many theater-about-theater shows.) There is always the possibility that a dark horse emerges, especially among the plays. 

Last chance, everyone. What will we regret missing in New York?

Updated On: 5/13/19 at 01:49 AM

[NYfanfromCA]

Posted: 5/13/19 at 2:48am

Hello from a Californian in NYC for the weekend.  I just saw Hadestown and Secret Life of Bees today.  What an amazing day of shows!  

I highly recommend The Prom.  How many slots do you have unfilled, and can you see another musical if you see The Prom?  I thought Kiss Me, Kate was enjoyable.  Tootsie was hilarious and Santino is worth seeing.  But if you only have room for one, then see The Prom. 

You can check for last minute seats for Secret Life of Bees (check the website often).  Sounds like you have committed to Hadestown, My Fair Lady, and Frankie and Johnny so far?  Adam Driver is worth seeing Burn This for.  Jonny Lee Miller is worth seeing Ink for.  To Kill a Mockingbird is worth seeing, period.  I saw it in December and am seeing it again tomorrow (rare Monday matinee, Actors Fund show).  I saw Oklahoma! yesterday and absolutely loved the whole intimate production (went in blind).  Bryan Cranston is amazing in Network.  I liked Constitution, but maybe I wasn't in the mood for it, so didn't love it as much as others. 

It's hard to choose, really.  When is your next trip after May?

 

[bear88]

Posted: 5/13/19 at 4:04am

Hi NYfanfromCA,

Your post is both encouraging (lots of great stuff to see!) and daunting. You recommended 10 shows (including one we're going to see)! At most, I've got 3 additional slots (and possibly only 2 depending on how quickly we get into Manhattan from JFK), since I already have tickets to Hadestown and Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune (on a Monday) and plan to get tickets to My Fair Lady (never seen it, consensus choice).

We won't be back in New York City this year, so this is our one chance to see things until 2020 at the earliest.

We could max out on musicals. See The Prom, Tootsie and either Oklahoma! or Kiss Me,Kate! (We saw Ain't Too Proud in its Berkeley Rep tryout, and tickets are very limited anyway.)

You have outlined concisely what intrigues me about several of the plays, mostly some highly praised performances. My doubts with several of them is whether the plays are unmissable. The primary critique of Network, for example, is that the play is not all that interesting when Cranston isn't on stage. 

I'm trying to narrow down the list to shows that I will regret missing, either because of terrific performances or the overall show - basically, what should I see in New York that I can't see elsewhere in a comparable version on tour in a year or two?

It sounds like your first choice among musicals I don't have on my final list is The Prom. I'm not sure where you would put Oklahoma! It's certainly a show that inspires strong reactions. What would you say to a skeptic?

[AllThatJazz2]

Posted: 5/13/19 at 9:00am

bear88 said: "While the announcement of an alleged tour of The Ferryman has me thinking I could possibly skip it on Broadway, the current cast has received goodreviews. I'm cooling on Ink and wonder if Burn This covers ground that's too similar to Frankie and Johnny."

I'll throw a vote in for The Ferryman. The current cast is excellent, and the play itself is phenomenal. While a tour has been announced, unfortunately that doesn't always mean it comes to fruition. I would definitely recommend seeing it on Broadway in its current incarnation if you are able to (my friend and I are actually making a single overnight trip so that we can see it for a second time prior to it closing - that's how much we enjoyed it). 

[KathyNYC2]

Posted: 5/13/19 at 9:37am

THE PROM’ !!! The cast is perfection. It’s wirth seeing in NY.

[meredithchandler73]

Posted: 5/13/19 at 5:19pm

Another vote for THE PROM. The show is wonderful - hilarious and heartfelt. And the cast is absolutely perfect. That shouldn't be too surprising as most of the leads have been with the show since it's inception, but I'd say you really should see this cast if you can.

[NYfanfromCA]

Posted: 5/13/19 at 6:19pm

Sorry to list too many choices earlier.  I will say that if your family prefers musicals, see The Prom and The Cher Show.  You've already seen Ain't Too Proud, and I rank The Cher Show a tad higher than that show.  Oklahoma! was a very good production, but it isn't a feel good and happy kind of show.  Tootsie is a great book and funny and a good time.  

Show preferences are so subjective.  I would say that a must-see play is To Kill a Mockingbird (just got out of the show and it was even better the second time), but if that isn't on your list, just stick to musicals.

[victoriafr]

Posted: 5/13/19 at 7:56pm

My top 4, not in any order:

The Ferryman: do NOT worry about how long this is. I've spent seven hours of my life watching this play (I've seen it twice, went back two weeks later to see it again after the first time I saw it) and I don't regret one second of it.

Ink: it is all that good! The first act is very good, but the second act is great. The direction is amazing, and the set design blew my mind.

My Fair Lady: if you've never seen this, I can't recommend this revival enough. It stays true to the show, it does not feel outdated at all.

Oklahoma!: I assure you the execution of this is wonderful! The actors are all amazing, especially Damon Daunno as Curly and Ali Stroker as Ado Annie.

Shows you should strike from your list this instant:

The Cher Show: god-awful. The method of story-telling with three Chers does not work in the slightest, and the talent is all average besides Stephanie J. Block.

The Prom: in my opinion, this show is horrible. It's a comedy, but I laughed at hardly anything; it's not funny. The music is generic, maybe worse.

[bear88]

Posted: 5/13/19 at 9:32pm

Everyone is right, of course, that all of this is hopelessly subjective.

My family does prefer musicals, but they would like a really good play instead of a mediocre musical. I just don't want to recommend too many plays. And they're not just interested in light fare. Favorite musicals of theirs (and mine) include West Side Story, Hamilton, Fun Home, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

I have concluded, from reading the various threads, that The Prom is almost as divisive as the Oklahoma! revival. Tootsie isn't too far behind, although there is more of a consensus. Our Oklahoma! decision, assuming tickets are available, will affect other choices.

I've got 5 or 6 potential slots. Two have been purchased already (Hadestown, Frankie & Johnny). Another will be, barring a change of heart (My Fair Lady). That leaves 2 or 3 shows, depending on whether we arrive in time to see a show the first night. (If we make it in time, after a cross-country flight and race to our hotel, I want to see something light.)

The most likely choices for the 2 (or 3) slots are: Tootsie, The Prom, The Ferryman, Ink, Oklahoma! Even then, I'm leaving out some shows that have have received a lot of praise or sound interesting for one reason or another.

At times like this, I wish I could visit New York City more often.

Updated On: 5/14/19 at 09:32 PM